[Local recidives after rectal tumour operations]

Patients with recidives after operations for rectal tumours have better prognosis than those with recidives of other gastro-intestinal tumours. Over the period from 1 January 1983 to 1 January 1990 165 patients were operated for rectal tumours (76 females and 89 males) in Dr. Dragisha Mishovitsh Clinical and Hospital Centre. On the basis of the size of rectal tumours, their position, penetration into the wall and intraoperative status surgical treatment was carried out: local ecxision (15), posterior proctotomy (37), anterior resection (64) and rectal amputation (49). In our practice we used the international classification of the tumours (pathohistology and clinical stages), UNIA INTERNATIONALIS CONTRA CANCRUM, internationally recognized on 1.1.1984. We quarterly controlled our operated patients during the first two years: rectoscopic, laboratory, EMG anal sfincter, EHO and CT abdomen, IVP examinations were performed. In patients with rectal adenocarcinoma we performed immunological examinations (CEA and CA 50) before operation, after operation and in the second year (first month and sixth month). All postoperative control examinations were important in the early detection of recidives and future treatment. We detected recidives in our patients during the first year (12), and only two in the second year after operation. We established four recidives after rectal amputation: one UICC stage II and 3 UICC stage III; 5 recidives after anterior resection: 4 UICC stage II and 1 UICC stage III; 3 recidives after posterior proctotomy: 2 UICC stage I and 1 UICC stage II, and 2 recidives after transanal excision: both recidives UICC stage I.